How to make Riveted Vias, Perfect PCBs with Toner Transfer

[Paul_W1]

I've been working on an A3987 stepper driver board, and have figured a way to make copper riveted Vias. This allows for very good thermal transfer to the bottom side of the board.

Rivets are made using a special cutter (inexpensive, available at Amazon) with a DIY spacer inserted into it so you can produce consistent sized rivets, with square cut ends.

I describe this at paulwanamaker.wordpress.com I will be adding a couple more pictures.

I also have an article about making perfect PCBs using the Toner Transfer Method.

Enjoy!

[Drools]

Interesting method thank you very much for sharing.

[doorknob]

There was a recent post on this forum that suggested using HP glossy presentation paper (IIRC) for toner transfer:

HP Laser Presentation Paper, Glossy, 8 1/2" x 11", 32 lb., Ream | Staples®

I notice from your list that you have tried one type of HP paper, but was it the same as the above or different?

[Paul_W1]

Doorknob;
The HP paper I used was different: HP Brochure Paper #Q6611A.
I have updated the page, thanks.

If you try the Glossy Presentation Paper let us know how it goes. You want a completely clean release. Otherwise you are better off buying some Press-n-peel for near the same amount, or making your own.

I will post how to make the paper tonight on my website tonight.

[Paul_W1]

I have updated the page about DIY Copper Via Rivets at PaulWanamaker.Wordpress.Com to include pictures of the cutter with the spacer used to make the copper rivets.

[Paul_W1]

I have added a page about making your own dextrin coated transfer paper for the toner transfer method.

[H500]

The results look very good. I use the HP Presentation paper mentioned above.
Toner Transfer, excellent results

It resulted in perfect transfers also, but mine had a white coating on the toner. Perhaps I ran it through the laminator too many times. Others reported that theirs transfer clean.